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Tips
to Prevent Abduction
Every year, thousands of children
are reported missing, many of which never return. Don't let your child
become just another statistic. Read on for tips on preventing your kids
from being abducted.
 Don't
presume that if you don't have a huge bank balance, your child is safe
from harm. Kidnappers don't kidnap only for ransom. There are enough sick
men around who kidnap children to satisfy their perverted sexual needs.
Such people are known as paedophiles, and are usually habitual child abusers,
constantly on the lookout for children.
Teach your children that if a stranger
comes up to them and asks them for help, it's okay to refuse. Explain that
there is no reason why an adult would require help from a child. When refusing
help, they should not bother about what strangers think about them, about
hurting feelings or about being rude. Teach them to say 'NO!' loud and
clear.
They should never accept candy, sweets,
chocolates or money from a stranger.
A bad person doesn't have to look
like a monster - a kidnapper could be very well dressed and pleasantly
turned out. Your child should not judge a person by his looks.
Sometimes even a person your child
is familiar with - like a neighbour - could turn out to be a kidnapper
or child abuser. So tell your children if a person invites them over -
even if it is someone they know - they should REFUSE, no matter how nice
the person seems, or how much he insists. Your children should come home
and tell you about any such incidents immediately. They should never, ever
enter anyone's home without your permission.
If any adult tells your child to
'keep a secret', your child let you know. Explain to your child that secrets
are kept between children themselves. No adult - not even a close relative
like an uncle - should ever ask a child to keep a secret.
Make it a point to know where your
child is at all times. If your child goes to Aryan's house, and from there
they decide to go to Sameer's house, he should call and inform you of the
change in plan.
If your child is in the building
garden, he should not be allowed to step outside the gates without your
permission.
If a car pulls up close to your child
when he is walking on the road, he should immediately increase the distance
between himself and the car.
In addition, teach your child to:
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Never take short-cuts through deserted
alleyways.
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Never accept lifts from strangers, no
matter how many times their friends have done it and swear that it's 'cool'
and safe.
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Never leave the building garden, school
yard or playground without your permission.
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Memorise his full name, parents' full
names, complete postal address and telephone number.
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Meet you at a fixed place if he ever
gets lost in a mall or crowded shop.
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Say NO without hesitation.
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Never go up to a stranger's car on being
called to ask for directions or on any other pretext. If the stranger calls
your child to the car, your child should just IGNORE the request and walk
on.
Safety on the
net
Child abductors are using new ways
of choosing their prey' - which includes the internet. After all, thousands
of children log on everyday, and come in contact with strangers. The internet
offers anonymity to a kidnapper, and after all, is preferable to hanging
around a school yard trying to decide which child to kidnap! Monitor the
sites your child visits.
Encourage him to browse the net
- not to chat on it. Make sure the computer is in your bedroom or in a
common family room - not in the child's bedroom.
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